By Chris Whan
The Algonquin Times was invited to the police foundations programs scenario simulations in an effort to broaden awareness about the program and allow students to integrate more effectively.
“I am and we (police foundations) are always happy to support students in other programs, besides police foundations with some work integrated learning as well as promoting your professions interests with the police students as well,” said Pete Thompson, coordinator of the simulations in a statement released to the Times. “To me this is very important at the College level to broaden the awareness and provide opportunities for us all to integrate more.”
Students were tasked with entering a home, arriving at the scene of an accident, with actual cars provided by Ed’s Salvage in Arnprior, and then arriving at a robbery in progress.
Actors, who were primarily graduates of the program, played parts of various dynamics and personalities in order to test students on conflict resolution, scene control and investigative techniques. The students were required to have a knowledge of police powers so as to not overstep their boundaries or infringe on the rights of the actors in order to successfully control the situation.
One of the most dynamic simulations took place at the home of a woman with a black-eye. The “Algonquin Police Department” were tasked with entering the home and assessing the situation and getting a statement. After a period of time another actor burst in the back door screaming “Where the fuck is he!” acting belligerent and very aggressive, effectively escalating the situation to a more physical level.